Fun On the Slopes for the Lowest Price: Finding The Cheapest Ways To S

Snowboarding continues to be a wildly popular sport since it’s perceived to be cool and edgy, which makes it such a huge draw for young winter sports enthusiasts. According to recent data, 37.5 percent of snowboard participants are 25 years old or younger, and many snowboarders are able to afford the lifestyle since the majority are college-educated professionals. Although snowboarding isn't as pricey as golf or ice hockey, the overall expense can be quite significant as the cost of lessons, gear, and lift passes, among others, can add up. 

If you're on a budget and you want to try snowboarding as a fun pastime, you'll need to consider all the available options so you can gain access to everything you need without hurting your budget.

Here are some tips to find the cheapest ways to start snowboarding. 

Gearing Up without Breaking the Bank

If you want to try snowboarding for the winter holidays or just to see if you're into it, it's recommended to rent your gear to save money on upfront costs and avoid the hassle of storage and upkeep. Renting can be a great way to access snowboards or protective gear if you're unsure of your commitment to the sport. What's more, it allows you to try different types of snowboards since some boards work better on specific terrains and snow conditions. Many rental shops in top ski resorts update their inventory with the latest snowboards, and they see to it that all of their goggles, helmets, and other snowboarding essentials are in good condition. Even if these items have been used many times by different individuals, you can be assured that you can find the best equipment to meet your needs.

Once you're certain that you want to be a regular rider, you can start investing in your own snowboard gear since this allows you to have the appropriate equipment for your skill level. Doing so also enables you to skip the rental fees every time you want to snowboard, which can lead to long-term savings. If you want to get quality stuff without going for the most expensive items on the market, think about getting last season's gear. Some brands offer discounts up to 35 percent off, so be on the lookout for online and in-store sales. Also, keep in mind that you don't have to blow your budget on every item on your list. For instance, you don't need several pairs of expensive goggles to go snowboarding. Get a cheap pair with amber lenses, and that will be suitable for day or night riding. You can shell out a bit more for well-fitting snowboard boots, a decent pair of gore-tex pants which can keep you dry, and a quality helmet to protect your head from impact during falls. 

Lessons for Less

Taking snowboarding lessons not only improves your form so you look cool while you're riding, but it also helps you to learn crucial techniques to minimize the risks of falls or collisions. Weekends and the holidays are typically when lesson prices are more expensive, so book your lessons in late fall or early winter to save money. You may also want to book as early as 48 hours in advance to avail possible discounts. If you plan to book multiple sessions during the season, think about booking a few group lessons since these are often more inexpensive than one-on-one lessons. 

High-Quality Powder without the High Price

Staying at a ski and snowboarding resort with high-quality powder is a must to give you a more enjoyable and safer riding experience. However, booking a stay at certain ski destinations can really do a number on your budget, and those in prime locations, such as Aspen, can charge a premium on accommodations, lift tickets, and food. Instead of staying at a popular place, look for an underrated ski destination with dry, abundant, and powdery snow. Some affordable US resorts with quality snow to consider are Bridger Bowl in Montana and Brian Head Resort in Utah. If you're snowboarding in Europe, check out the resorts in Zakopane, Poland or Val Thorens, France for affordable experiences. 

Snowboarding doesn't have to take a huge chunk out of your savings. Consider these tips to get affordable gear, lessons, and stays in ski resorts, and engage in this awesome sport without worrying about your finances. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.